Evert Louwman

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Evert Louwman TIME WITH EVERT LOUWMAN Left The museum is housed in a large new building in The Time with... Hague by American architect Michael Graves. It has met with resistance from Green lobbyists, but Louwman feels he has a commitment to tell EVERT the social history of the car. LOUWMAN The former Toyota and Lexus concessionaire for The Netherlands shows Octane round his own motor museum Words: Martin Van Der Zeeuw Photography: Herman Van Heusden Evert Louwman rarely gives interviews. ‘It full history of the automobile since 1886,’ says shouldn’t be about me. It should be about the museum,’ Louwman. ‘It’s not just about presenting a wide variety he says. Still, the man behind one of the world’s largest of motor cars to a large audience; I believe it’s privately owned car collections and the former Toyota/ interesting to have a representation of every period Lexus importer for Holland finds time to give Octane and every important development in motoring history. a more personal view on the ideas behind the museum, Therefore you can find veteran and vintage motor cars, on buying classic cars with his father and on doing sports and racing cars as well as luxury cars, cycle- business with the Japanese in the 1960s. cars, bubble cars and even a few fire engines. It also ‘Where shall we leave the Royale?’ he asks Ronald shows you the development of coachbuilding and Kooyman, general manager of the Louwman Museum technology; we have a 1917 hybrid car, the Woods Dual in The Hague, Holland. ‘Maybe in the Blue Room,’ says Power. I challenge you to tell me what is missing. Kooyman, without blinking an eye. A Royale? One of six Maybe a Silberpfeil [Silver Arrow], but I would never Bugattis, and one of the world’s most valuable cars? pay the amount of money people ask for a car like that.’ Get to know Evert Louwman a bit better and you We’re in front of the Dodge showroom, a copy realise this is one of his practical jokes. Why else would of the original building owned by Evert Louwman’s he drop the ‘Royale’ name in front of a journalist? But father Piet. It’s part of a whole rebuilt street scene he owns one of the most important classic car from the 1930s, one of the most genuine you will ever collections in the world, so it could be true… see in a motoring museum. Original sections of But then he shows me the guestbook. ‘Look, this is buildings that were demolished decades ago have what it’s all about,’ he says, adding no further comment been reused to give this highlight of the museum an and allowing me to read. ‘It’s all Duesy!’ is one of the original feel. And cars take display precedence over many remarks in the book, which are positive without computers, DVD players and widescreen televisions exception. Another one, from a lady visitor: ‘I came here. ‘They always break down,’ Louwman says. here just to do my husband a favour in accompanying ‘In the 1960s my father and I attended the first classic him, but I’ve really, really enjoyed myself.’ car auctions in Great Britain,’ he continues. ‘In those And it’s obvious that 70-year-old Louwman is very early days we bought cars like the Benz Vélo, which proud of his museum, the new building for which was took part in the London to Brighton Run in 1934. That opened in July 2010 by HM Queen Beatrix of The was the first time he allowed me to drive our car with Netherlands. It displays one of the largest privately the Benz on the trailer behind it; I was more experienced owned car collections in the world in a beautiful in driving a car with a trailer. The Benz is still a very setting, doing justice not only to motoring history, but important car in the collection; we’ve used it in the also to the important role of the motor car in society. London to Brighton Run several times and it has About 230 cars are on display, and the collection is always been the car we display and demonstrate at eclectic to say the least. ‘Our aim was to recount the important functions, like the opening of the museum. OCTANE OCTANE 114 AUGUS T 2011 AUGUS T 2011 115 TIME WITH EVERT LOUWMAN Far left, left and below Toyota’s first car (the AA, 1936-43) was thought extinct but Toyota importer Louwman found this one in Russia; Louwman (on right) with Octane contributor Van Der Zeeuw; HM Queen Beatrix opened the new museum building last year. Of course there were lucky finds too, like a little built on a Lloyd chassis. I still own it. We also went to He imported Toyotas in the 1960s, a time when Japan are quite extreme. ‘Of course I like the Duesenberg Georges Richard we discovered in one of the side motor shows together, like Earls Court in London and had only just emerged as an industrial (and SJ. It’s the best of the best. I believe, however, that ‘A motoring streets of the Champs-Élysées in Paris in the 1950s.’ the Grand Palais in Paris. We could talk for hours, just democratic) society. the Lloyd LP 300 is just as interesting. Or the Hanomag The Louwman family acquired the Riemer sitting on a bench on the Champs-Élysées, watching ‘Communicating with the Japanese required Kommisbrot: a single-cylinder engine, just one IN museum collection in 1968, which at the time was the only cars pass by, gauging them. “Why would someone endless patience; it took a long time before there was headlight, one brake drum, a rear axle without a TimASSOCIATIONe with ... ‘official’ motoring museum in The Netherlands. ‘One have bought that car?” “To what kind of person does a mutual understanding. But everything turned out differential. Back to basics, although compelled by WITH doesn’t only year later our museum, by then called the Nationaal that car belong?” “Crazy colour scheme – typically very positive once this understanding was there. The the economic situation of the time. Still, you could Automobiel Museum, was opened in Leidschendam, French!” “Oh look, such an elegant car, that Delahaye. Japanese stuck to their word and were very loyal. It remove the top and drive it open, like a convertible. show you motor near The Hague, and later moved to Raamsdonksveer,’ Look how it contrasts with all those 2CVs and Traction took patience on the other side too. If it were an Austin-Healey, they would call it a says Louwman. ‘My father, who unfortunately passed Avants.” When you do that, you touch history. It is ‘In The Netherlands it takes a while to gain hardtop. Can you imagine? And then there is a 1921 away before it was opened in 1969, firmly believed that wonderful to realise that my grandfather has seen it confidence when you have something new to offer. At Tamplin cycle-car. Let me tell you that it’s more fun cars, it shows the motor car phenomenon deserved a museum all develop from horse-drawn carriages to motorised that time Japanese products were hardly known in to drive than a Porsche 911.’ because of its unparalleled role in society, which it vehicles. And that in 1923 my father was the first Holland. But I knew the Toyota had a few unique It’s a question that is just as predictable as it is you social changed completely. The automobile industry is one importer in Holland for Dodge and Moon automobiles. selling points: the Corolla, for instance, was a much inevitable: does Evert Louwman still have anything of the largest in the world, employing hundreds of By the way, we’ve found a Moon for the collection. I’ve more “complete” car compared with the small cars to wish for? Shrugging his shoulders, he answers: history’ thousands of people. The motor car has proved to be been looking for one for almost 30 years!’ available in Europe in those days, like the Volkswagen ‘The collection is so complete that it is very difficult to an invention of major importance. You can’t do without You can see the twinkle in his eyes when he says Beetle and the Renault 4. Toyota’s top model, the point out what I’d still like to add to it. I would like a it any more. Therefore its story has to be told. that. Evert Louwman is a very passionate man, but Crown, was an extremely safe and strong car. The Series I Volkswagen Golf, two-door, silver, but these A motoring museum doesn’t only show you motor also charismatic and a genuine businessman. His thud you could hear when closing the door made are not around anymore. Queen Wilhelmina’s Spyker, cars, it shows you social history.’ company holds a record for long-term employment: Rolls-Royce envious. Apart from that, Toyota’s but that isn’t there anymore either, so…’ Asked about his father, who started the collection some of his employees have been working for him for service and spare parts supply were excellent from Rest assured: if by any chance Queen Wilhelmina’s in 1934 and who was his mentor, Louwman says: ‘He 25 or even 30 years the start. That’s the way to break through in Holland: Spyker still exists, anywhere in the world, or even was a very special man. Let me think… What can I say The ‘company’ is, of course, not only the museum.
Recommended publications
  • Viewed As Part of a Regular Curator’S Display from February 8 Through March 31, 2019
    Supplement to Sports Car Market SportsKeith Martin’s Car Market™ The Insider’s Guide to Collecting, Investing, Values, and Trends 2018 INSIDER’S GUIDE TO A VUTOMOTI E MUSEUMS PREMIERE ISSUE ■ Donald Osborne on What Makes a Great Museum ■ In-Depth Profiles of 31 Featured Museums ■ Directory of More Than 80 Museums INTRODUCTION / TABLE OF CONTENTS where the Past Comes to Life his Insider’s Guide to Automotive Museums is a dream come true for me. T I have long wanted a listing of the most significant museums in the U.S. in one easy-to- access digest. This guide fulfills that need. I’m keeping a copy in my glovebox. I love automotive museums of all types, from the rigorous, intellectually challenging Petersen and Revs collections to “I bought it because I liked it” private collections. The history of the automobile spans little more than 130 years, starting with the Benz Patent-Motorwagen in 1886. Thus in a single museum you can often follow the evolution of the motor car from the horseless carriage to the Bugatti Chiron. As you stroll through the museums listed here, reflect on what the cars on display tell you about the tastes of the owners who collected them. The cars and the people behind them are inextricably intertwined, as it should be with these four-wheeled chariots of passion. — Keith Martin, Publisher, Sports Car Market ■ FeATUreS 12 The Qualities That Make a Museum Great — Donald Osborne 18 Map of Major Automotive Museums in the U.S. FeATUreD MUSeUMS eAST 28 Indianapolis Motor Speedway 40 The Cobra experience Museum 20 The Buffalo Transportation 41 Fountainhead Antique Auto Pierce Arrow Museum 28 Packard Proving Grounds Museum 20 Newport Car Museum 30 Studebaker National Museum 41 LeMay—America’s Car Museum 22 Owls Head Transportation 30 The Henry Ford Museum 42 National Automobile Museum SOUTH (The Harrah Collection) 22 Simeone Foundation 32 The revs Institute Inc.
    [Show full text]
  • Hagerty's Marketplace
    fuel for the motoring lifestyle Cars of the Counterculture By P.J. O’Rourke IT TAKES EVERY KIND: Collectors on the Fringe winter 2011 $4.95 usA | CAnADA 365 Days with a Model A Snowed in? Fire up a Vintage Sled A WORD FROM McKEEL in the driver’s seat PUBLISHING MANAGEMENT Executive Publisher McKeel Hagerty Publisher Rob Sass Senior Publishing Adviser Greg Stropes TGO PhOTOGraPhy EDITORIAL STAFF Executive Editor/Associate Publisher Jonathan A. Stein Managing Editor Stefan Lombard Web Managing Editor Claire Walters HVA Editor Bob Butz HVA Editorial Adviser Carmel Roberts Copy Editor Jeff Peek ART AND PRODUCTION STAFF Creative Director Wendy Ronga Production Consultant Carolyn Brooks Production Coordinator Emily Black CONTRIBUTORS Wayne Carini, Ken Gross, Dave Kinney, Calm Before the Storm P.J. O’Rourke, Jeff Sabatini, Don Sherman We have to confess, CONCIERGE the Winter issue of Hagerty magazine can be the most chal- Glenn Arlt lenging to put together. e season’s biggest events, like the auctions in Scottsdale, haven’t happened yet when we go to press. And in most areas of the country, the ADVERTISING SALES National Ad Sales Executive Cody Wilson shows are over and the cars are tucked away. But just because we are now firmly in- [email protected]; 503.866.9464 stalled in winter weather doesn’t mean there aren’t vintage vehicles to enjoy. ey don’t even have to have wheels. To that end, Rob Sass spent some time hopping Questions about our products and services? Call 800-922-4050. Questions about the magazine? from sled to sled in a vintage snowmobile shakedown, where he found that these Call 866-922-9401 or email us at great classic machines can do more than just give a car guy a winter fix of horse- [email protected].
    [Show full text]
  • Students Professional Suitability
    THINK SMALL! THE JOURNAL OF THE SYDNEY MODEL AUTO CLUB ISSUE 91 MARCH 2020 Appearing in this issue ….. From the Driver’s Seat ………. a report from our President 2 A road trip to the Goulburn Swap Meet 3 Our Annual 24 Hours of Le Mans ……… a report from PH Cheah 3 The History and Origin of Emblems on Commercial Vehicles ………. a review by Rob Bender 4 Our monthly themed displays: December - ‘What Else Do You Collect?’ 18 February - ‘Show and Concept Cars’ 30 ‘Show and Tell’ results and our 2020 League Table 36 A CONCEPT CAR, DID YOU SAY? If you remember watching the original series of the ‘The Flintstones’ – the cartoon not the execrable movie – you’re officially old, and you’ll definitely be able to sing the first few bars of the theme song. It’s part of our cultural DNA, and far catchier than our national anthem. The funniest thing about the show probably was the car, commonly known as the Flintmobile, which ran on two feet and a heartbeat, if you were alone, but could get up more speed depending how many friends you could jam in. Although it’s never mentioned by the characters, from the look of those stone wheels the quality of the ride must have been appalling. However, there’s no denying its bottomless, engineless construction was an admirably simple piece of engineering, and it was roomy too. It may have escaped your memory that, in the opening credits, the car manages to carry four adults, two children, a pet dinosaur and a sabre-toothed tiger to the drive-in for the evening, although with disastrous results for the roof lining.
    [Show full text]
  • Pur Sang Index: a Publication of the American Bugatti Club from 1960 to 12/31/2021 Table of Contents Author Subject Car Year Qt
    Pur Sang Index: A publication of the American Bugatti Club From 1960 to 12/31/2021 Table of Contents Author Subject Car Year Qtr. Vol Iss Pg The hopes and excitement of 2021 as the medical community is getting a handle on COVID-19. Coordination for the East Editorial Baran, Matthew Coast Rally for September 2020 Autumn 60 4 3 Obituaries Jack R. du Gan 2020 Autumn 60 4 5 2020 ABC Fall Update ABC Board Discussion on the cancellation of all events due to the COVID crisis 2020 Autumn 60 4 6 Figthing COVID-19 in our Driving Ms Pat (1931 T40A) in a 5-day rally named "Enjoy the Moment" tour. Several other beautiful cars were in T40A Bugatti Stranberg, Sharon attendance. T40A 2020 Autumn 60 4 8 Another Look at Retromobile 2020 Kleen, John Last known event in the EU. Attended the auction at the Grand Palais. T40 GS for auction. All 2020 Autumn 60 4 11 Bonhams Ameila Island Auction Sports Car Market Bonhams Annual Auction at Amelia Island. T55 sells for $7,100,000. Auction record for a T55 is $10million. T55 2020 Autumn 60 4 16 T59, Gooding & Co.'s Passion of a lifetime auction. 15 cars from the Hubert Fabri collection were auctioned off for a total of over T35C, Passion of a Lifetime Clifford, Tom 34 million pounds. The 3 Bugattis set a new world auction record for sales of over 21 million pounds. T57S 2020 Autumn 60 4 18 38th Lime Rock Historic Festival held on Labor Day Weekend. 75 cars took part in the 17-mile race.
    [Show full text]